Our home towns and cities are full of beauty spots little-known by most.

The need to get out of the house for some fresh air in the local area means many are discovering places they have never seen before.

In Newport, you are never far from a hidden spot which offers a brand new perspective on the city.

Here are a few interesting spots you can explore in Newport while out enjoying some exercise.

Spytty Pill

This little outcrop by the side of the Southern Distributor Road offers a unique view of Newport's skyline.

A short pathway beginning from the side of Lysaght Village leads under City Bridge towards a small outcrop of land by the Usk river.

At the end of the path you can view the skyline of new-build flats on either side of the river.

The picturesque view of City Bridge is one not many will have seen.

Despite being near the road it is surprisingly quiet

Those who know it sometimes refer to it as "Monkey Island".

Before Lysaght Village was built it was far more difficult to access this spot, requiring a bit of agility to jump quite a sizeable gap.

It's quiet and tranquil on a sunny day but does occasionally attract a worrying amount of litter.

Gaer Fort

The views from Gaer Fort are some of the best in Newport

This iron age hill fort was built by the Celtic tribe in the area, at the highest point above the Gaer between 750 BC and AD 43.

On a clear day the "Gollars", as it is known locally, offers views over Newport, Cardiff, the M4 motorway and the Severn Estuary.

The bracken slopes provide a warm micro-climate which many reptiles and invertebrates enjoy.

There are grasslands and some wooden areas to explore

On warm, sunny days you can find slow worms and common lizards basking in open areas.

But mainly the grasslands and winding paths are a great place for a stroll or to walk a dog.

A history of Wales in 99 seconds:

Video Loading

Ringland Wood

This ancient woodland rich with wildlife is right by resident's back gardens

Ringland residents are extremely lucky to live so close to this gorgeous area of ancient woodland.

Some houses even have gardens backing onto it.

Entrances leading on to pathways through the forest can be found from Ringland Circle, Hendre Drive and Edward German Crescent.

Ringland Wood is a definite hidden gem

The Woodland Trust says the wood supports a large number of wild birds, butterflies, bats and small animals including grey squirrels and hedgehogs.

The wood opens out onto Ringland Top playing Field which is a perfect spot for a picnic with panoramic views over the Bristol Channel.

There is also a small park there.

Woodland Park

Woodland Park is well known by locals but rarely used by people from further afield

This small secluded park is difficult to spot from most of the roads surrounding it.

Nearby residents use it frequently particularly on sunny days.

But if you walk to the top of Kensington Place, off Chepstow Road, you will be greeted by a small gate that leads onto a very pleasant little park.

There are well-kept seating areas, mature trees and a wide open green perfect for dog walking.

A winding path by the bottom entrance leads to a small wooded area featuring a lovely dragon sculpture

At the bottom entrance to the park along Woodland Park Road there is a small gate leading to a winding path of steps.

The path takes you through a narrow area of woods with small benches where you can sit in the shade.

One of the trees has even been made into a beautiful dragon sculpture.

Afterwards you can admire the large attractive houses around this area of Beechwood.

Interested in Newport?

Like our Facebook page, Newport Online to keep up with all the latest news, events and features.

Bridge, Glebelands Park

There are some great views on offer out over the river towards Caerleon

Glebelands Park is well-known by many but not many will have ever come across this secret spot.

Walk along the path from the Glebelands, in St Julians, towards the motorway bridge. Go under the bridge and and head right.

There's a small leafy trail that get's particularly narrow at some points - but stick with it.

Very few who visit the Glebelands know about this

If you follow this path you'll end up with views looking over the Usk into Caerleon, and you'll also spot a beautifully preserved bridge.

It's only a short walk but a pretty diversion on a sunny day.

Woods near St Woolos Cemetery

This little spot is a brilliant find for mountain bikers

This little spot can be accessed from a gate located near the roundabout at the end of Fields Park Road, between Gaer and Ridgeway.

The dense mature woodland looks beautiful on bright days with the sunshine blazing through the branches.

Generations of mountain bikers have built a few small jumps along some of the steeper descents between the trees.

Afterwards, it is easy to wander around St Woolos Cemetery or make your way towards the playing fields off Bassaleg Road.